Rory McIlroy tee time today is set for 2: 50 p. m. ET on Saturday, and he will go out in the final pairing with Sam Burns at Augusta National. The world No. 2 enters the third round with a six-shot lead after shooting a Friday-low 65 and reaching 12-under.
McIlroy turns the Masters into a chase from the front
At Augusta National on Friday, McIlroy moved into a position no one has ever held after 36 holes in the Masters. The six-shot cushion is the largest second-round lead in tournament history, and it comes after he birdied six of his last seven holes to close his round.
McIlroy has now parred 18 holes, birdied 15 and made just three bogeys through the tournament. He is also only the fourth defending champion to hold the 36-hole lead the year after winning, a group that includes Arnold Palmer, Ian Woosnam and Jordan Spieth. The stakes are clear: he is pursuing a second green jacket and a chance to become the fourth player to win the Masters in back-to-back years.
Rory McIlroy tee time today puts pressure on the field
McIlroy said he plans to keep the pressure on rather than protect his margin. “I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point, ” he said. “I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas. ”
Behind him, Burns and Patrick Reed are tied for second at 6-under, while Justin Rose sits in a tie for fourth at 5-under. Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood are also at 5-under, leaving several familiar names within striking distance if McIlroy gives anything back early on Saturday.
What McIlroy is saying before the third round
McIlroy said he has spent a lot of time on this course in the past three weeks, combining practice with work around the greens and rounds played in unusual spots to learn more of Augusta National’s demands. He said that effort has helped him stay aggressive and focused on the present rather than the field behind him.
He also said he wants to keep his attention away from the leaderboard for as long as possible. For now, Rory McIlroy tee time today is the center of the Masters conversation, with Saturday’s 2: 50 p. m. ET start likely to set the tone for whether he can turn a historic 36-hole lead into another green jacket.
